Arab League Welcomes Somalia’s First Direct Municipal Elections

By Abukar Osman - Reporter

Cairo – 25 December 2025 The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, has welcomed the organization of Somalia’s first direct municipal elections, describing the move as a significant milestone in the country’s democratic transition and a step toward broader popular participation.

In a statement issued by the League’s General Secretariat, Aboul Gheit praised the Somali government’s efforts to hold direct local elections for the first time since 1969, noting that the process represents an important advance in strengthening citizenship, constitutional legitimacy, and public confidence in governance.

He urged Somali political forces to prioritize dialogue and national consensus, stressing the importance of unity in overcoming security and political challenges, supporting peace and development, and reinforcing the state-building process, including efforts to counter terrorism.

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The Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Jamal Roshdy, said the Arab League is closely following the electoral process in Mogadishu, considering it a key step toward entrenching popular participation and advancing the transition from an indirect electoral system to direct universal suffrage based on the principle of “one person, one vote,” as stipulated in Somalia’s provisional constitution.

The Arab League reaffirmed its readiness to provide political and technical support, in coordination with Somali state institutions, and to continue backing the legitimate aspirations of the Somali people for security, stability, prosperity, and the restoration of a strong national state.

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